Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The simple answer is "Yes", without straying into areas that are not my responsibility because it is very much the role of the Garda Commissioner to look at where there are challenges, issues and significant population increases. Population is not the only factor but, as the Deputy said, it must be taken into account. We have only properly seen the figures for the most recent census in the past few weeks. I have no doubt but that those figures will be reflected in how the new recruits entering Templemore in November and the 1,000 gardaí and civilian staff we hope to have next year will be spread across the country. Every county feels it is under-resourced. It is clear to see, on the basis of population and the numbers, where there needs to be a boost and those issues need to be addressed. It is very much a matter for the Garda Commissioner.

It is important that we have that number of recruits coming out. Some 11,000 people, including, I am pleased to say, many more women and many people from diverse backgrounds, applied in January this year. We are going to open a new recruitment campaign in the second quarter of next year to ensure we have a steady flow of people. Deputy Kenny is going to raise this issue shortly, but some people are retiring and others are leaving the force. We need to consider many different issues. We need a steady flow and stream. That will ensure the counties that the Deputy has mentioned, our own included, among others, will start to see that significant increase.

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